Cheap Computer Finds Market Niche - I Knew it!
November 14th 2007 05:40
Sometimes I wonder why people buy expensive computers. I've brought it up many-a-times in the past, if cheap computers were made available (as new) they would sell bucket loads.
The new Wal-Mart PC costing less than $200 but being able to do the typical word editing/internet surfing has been a huge hit and the first batch has sold out. Why? Well trust someone to spin this against Microsoft but personally I think it’s all about price vs. feature ratio.
It features a 1.5ghz CPU, 80gig hard drive 512mb ram comes with a DVD burner, runs Linux and comes in a small box – I’m even starting to want it.
For years, well since ever, computers have been price fixed, as new components have come out they have been adopted and have driven up the prices despite people not making use of the extra power. Most people will find that a computer from five years ago can accomplish the same tasks as a computer that was built last week, at a much lower price.
There is of course the problem of out dated components. Even though something might be more than capable of handling most tasks the age of its pieces could be its downing factor. If incompatible with modern hardware peripherals (be it keyboards or modems) consumers would have to purchase newer systems that pack an extra brunt despite the lack of need for it.
Now what of the software side? Well Linux has always been free, Windows is another story. Will the success of this new computer push Microsoft to compete with Linux on a crazy, almost psychotic manner, as it has already overseas?
Well we can certainly hope so, and maybe we can hope for a future where expensive PCs are not shoved down peoples throats.
The new Wal-Mart PC costing less than $200 but being able to do the typical word editing/internet surfing has been a huge hit and the first batch has sold out. Why? Well trust someone to spin this against Microsoft but personally I think it’s all about price vs. feature ratio.
It features a 1.5ghz CPU, 80gig hard drive 512mb ram comes with a DVD burner, runs Linux and comes in a small box – I’m even starting to want it.
For years, well since ever, computers have been price fixed, as new components have come out they have been adopted and have driven up the prices despite people not making use of the extra power. Most people will find that a computer from five years ago can accomplish the same tasks as a computer that was built last week, at a much lower price.
There is of course the problem of out dated components. Even though something might be more than capable of handling most tasks the age of its pieces could be its downing factor. If incompatible with modern hardware peripherals (be it keyboards or modems) consumers would have to purchase newer systems that pack an extra brunt despite the lack of need for it.
Now what of the software side? Well Linux has always been free, Windows is another story. Will the success of this new computer push Microsoft to compete with Linux on a crazy, almost psychotic manner, as it has already overseas?
Well we can certainly hope so, and maybe we can hope for a future where expensive PCs are not shoved down peoples throats.
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